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LISBON, PORTUGAL – The International Centre for Aviation Innovation (ICAI) and the International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers’ Associations (IFATCA) today signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) at Airspace World in Lisbon, Portugal. The agreement establishes a framework for collaboration on the evolving future of regional and global air navigation services (ANS) and air traffic management (ATM), with a strong emphasis on a human-centric approach that balances human expertise and machine intelligence.

The agreement was signed by Ms. Helena Sjöström Falk, President and Chief Executive Officer of IFATCA and Mr. Patrick Ky, Chief Executive Officer of ICAI.

IFATCA and ICAI’s partnership will focus on key areas shaping the future of aviation such as increasing integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) with ATM systems, while adopting a human-centric approach by embedding operational expertise and human factors into the design, deployment and governance of new technologies.

It will also support dialogue on workforce recruitment, training, and retention, as well as regional initiatives aimed at improving eco-efficient operations, reducing emissions, mitigating weather-related disruptions, and enhancing cross-border connectivity in the Asia-Pacific region.

In addition, the partnership will promote information sharing on new concepts of operations and provide opportunities for direct air traffic controller participation in cutting edge experimentation and evaluation activities related to next-generation ATM solutions. Both organisations will also work together to share knowledge and best practices at regional and global forums, including initiatives under the framework of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

Ms. Helena Sjöström Falk, President and Chief Executive Officer of IFATCA, said: “As air traffic volumes grow and operational environments become more complex, the integration of new technologies must prioritise flight safety and human-machine collaboration. This partnership with ICAI ensures that frontline operational expertise guides technological development from the very beginning, paving the way for a more resilient and sustainable global aviation system.”

Mr. Patrick Ky, Chief Executive Officer of ICAI, said: “Innovation is not just about developing new technologies; it is about deploying them safely and effectively where they matter most. By anchoring ICAI’s research capabilities with the real-world, frontline insights of air traffic controllers, we can accelerate the adoption of digital solutions like AI to optimise airspace capacity, reduce emissions, and directly support the workforce.”